Notes: I know, I know. Many of you are anxiously awaiting the date. This chapter was to include the date, but I decided to make you all wait. Plus, this chapter is necessary for future plot lines.
I am truly grateful for the positive responses I've been getting for this story. You all inspire me. Don't forget to keep commenting and reviewing. Your opinions and outlook help shape how the story progresses. Enjoy!
Chapter Spoilers: None, though this chapter is the result of Jack's date proposal in episode 2.01 (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang)
Ianto woke to Jack screaming, again. The frequency of nightmares was cause for him to worry. Instead of helping Jack drift back asleep, he decided to question him. "Jack, should I be worried that you're having more dreams each night?"
Jack, still in the process of waking up, "No, no, it's a good thing."
"How is it a good thing?" Ianto didn't quite understand.
"The more dreams I have," Jack began explaining, now fully awake, "the more I'm healing. They're more often, but they're less intense. Soon they will blend into one bad dream, but I won't be scared of them anymore."
Ianto, working through the explanation, nodded his head in understanding. He looked over at the clock and noticed that it was six-thirty in the morning. He didn't see the point in going back to sleep, so he started to get out of bed.
"And where are you off to?" Jack asked, wondering why Ianto was getting out of bed so early.
"I'm not going back to sleep just to wake up again in half an hour, so I figured I'd go make some coffee," Ianto replied.
"Oh no you don't," Jack retorted, quickly climbing around to grab Ianto. "Back into bed," he ordered. "You're taking the day off."
"Jack…" Ianto began to protest, but was cut off.
"No arguing, Ianto. You're on light duty anyway, so take the day off and rest," Jack reasoned. "You deserve it."
Ianto thought about it for a bit then decided not to protest further. Maybe I do need a day away from Torchwood. Jack noticed and was glad Ianto agreed to a day off.
"Besides," he added with a smile, "you need your beauty rest for our date tomorrow."
Ianto smiled back. "Of course, sir" was his only response.
Jack climbed out of bed and leaned in to kiss Ianto's cheek. Ianto leaned into the kiss but was thankful Jack didn't try taking it further. I would snog him senseless and take him right now if he did.
Jack waited until Ianto got comfortable in bed before heading into the bathroom and taking a shower. By the time he was done, Ianto was fast asleep again so he quietly exited the bedroom, softly closing the door behind him, before exiting the flat and heading for the Hub.
He stopped at the café nearest to the Hub and picked up coffee for the team. When he finally arrived at the Hub, Tosh was there. "You gave Ianto the day off," she stated, having noticed the coffee in Jack's hands.
Jack raised an eyebrow at the statement. "Yes, how'd you know?"
"There are only a few times we ever have coffee from an outside source, Jack," she began explaining. "And noting the lack of Ianto's presence…" she trailed off.
"Ah, yes. You are always good with putting two-and-two together, Tosh." Jack smiled.
Tosh returned the smile and thanked him, then added, "I'm glad you gave him the day off. He deserves it."
"That's exactly what I told him!" He exclaimed in delight that he wasn't the only person who thought so.
"Really?" Tosh wondered.
"I know how hard he worked while I was gone, and how much pain I caused him…" he paused, trying to gather his thoughts without becoming too emotional.
Tosh took advantage of the pause. "Do you plan on making it up to him?"
"Yes!" Jack immediately replied. "I'm taking him on a date tomorrow night, rift permitting, of course."
"A date, really?!" She asked with excitement. "Where to?"
Jack thought for a moment. "I was thinking that posh French place. I know before I left that Ianto wanted to try it out. That is if he hasn't already…" He let the last bit linger hoping Tosh could give some insight.
And of course she did, wanting Jack and Ianto together probably just as much as the two men wanted to be together. "He hasn't been with anyone, Jack," she answered his unasked question. "He cares about you a lot, and even when you were gone, he never did and never would have done anything that would have hurt you."
Jack sighed in relief and smiled. "I'm glad because I care about him a lot, too." He paused and saw a quizzical look grow on Tosh's face. "And for the record, since I know you're wondering; I wasn't with anyone while I was gone either. All I thought about was him, and the team, but mostly him, and getting back here."
Tosh smiled and nodded. "Good to hear."
The cog wheel opened and alarmed them both, having been lost in their conversation. Gwen had arrived, which Jack took as his cue to skedaddle to his office, leaving the tray with the rest of the coffees on Tosh's desk.
"What was that about?" Gwen asked as she picked up her coffee from the tray. "And why do we have take away coffee?"
Tosh just shrugged not wanting to get into it with Gwen. She also didn't want to accidentally mention the date planned for tomorrow, in case Gwen decided to sabotage it somehow.
Gwen could sense that Tosh was keeping something from her, but from past experiences knew better than to interrogate her colleague. She'll never give me answers. If I want to know, I'll have to ask Jack, she thought. With coffee in hand, she headed off to Jack's office.
Jack grew frustrated that Gwen had followed him and immediately snapped at her. "What do you want, Gwen?"
Gwen, thrown off by his anger, "Well good morning to you, too," she replied sarcastically.
Having realized his anger was, in the moment, misplaced, he apologized then asked again, "But seriously, what is it that you want?"
"Where's Ianto?" Gwen asked blatantly. She wasn't particularly upset by his absence, but was curious as to why he was not there. She also figured that depending on the reason for the tea boy's absence, she could 'work her magic' on Jack.
"He has the day off," he answered, "Y'know, to heal up."
Not wanting to leave just yet, since Jack's barely been around me since he returned; she pressed the matter just to keep the conversation going. "Was this his decision, or…"
Jack frustratingly put up with Gwen's antics, but only giving minimal responses. Eventually she'll give up. I'll just have to endure a little while longer, and Ianto's sanity and beauty rest is worth it.
Owen arrived while Gwen was entering Jack's office. Tosh immediately pulled him aside and told him about Jack's plans for a date.
"Harkness and Tea Boy sitting in a tree," Owen quipped.
Tosh chuckled, but then laid out her concern. "I'm worried what might happen if Gwen finds out," she voiced, nodding towards Jack's office at the mention of Gwen's name.
"Yea," Owen agreed, "she'll probably find a way to ruin it for them."
"We can't let her find out, but if need be, we need to have a way to distract her." Tosh explained. "Just keep her busy at the very least."
"I can make sure she's on rift duty with me," Owen suggested. "Is anything predicted for tomorrow night?"
"No," Tosh answered, "I looked before you arrived. Nothing predicted so hopefully it'll stay calm."
Owen looked up and noticed Gwen leaving Jack's office. Tosh turned to see what held Owen's attention, and turning back to face the man, they nodded and separated, getting back to work.
Gwen noticed the exchange but pretended not to. Jack told Tosh something, I know it. And I guess that means Owen knows whatever it is, too. Why am I being kept out of the loop?
The day was rather boring; only a weevil in the early evening, but otherwise, nothing. Jack had been texting Ianto throughout the day just to check in and see what he was up to. The only times he left his office were to gather something from the archives, drop a newly finished report on Ianto's desk, or check on what each member of his team was working on. Unfortunately that also meant having Gwen chat him up every time he emerged from his office.
The team had left for the evening, leaving Jack alone in the hub. That was until Ianto came walking into the hub carrying two bags. One was unmistakably Chinese takeout, but Jack couldn't figure what was in the other. Jack walked out of his office and sat with the younger man on the couch.
"You shouldn't be here," Jack opened, using their usual lines for when they're alone in the hub at night. He nuzzled his head into the crook of Ianto's neck while he sorted out their dinner.
"Neither should you," Ianto said, playing along.
"I was just about to call you," Jack confessed while placing soft kisses along Ianto's neck. Jack was more turned on that normal. Here Ianto was, at the hub, in everyday clothes; jeans and a jumper. Now this isn't a sight you see every day, but boy is it wonderful.
Ianto leaned into each kiss and asked, flirtatiously and curiously, "Were you now?"
"Mmhmm," Jack muttered in between kisses, as he began trailing upward, behind Ianto's ears; one of his weak spots.
"Jack," Ianto moaned softly, and then regained his composure to continue, "We won't be able to eat if you keep doing that."
Jack stopped, lifting his head while Ianto turned his to meet Jack's gaze. Both men smiled and then kissed briefly before turning to their dinner.
They ate in silence for a few minutes before Jack remembered the second bag and grew curious. "So what's in the other bag?" he asked.
Ianto finished chewing his food before answering, "My suit for tomorrow. All of mine here need to be washed."
"I see," Jack stated. After a few more moments of silence, "I would have come home to you, Ianto."
"I know," Ianto replied, though noted and smiled inwardly at Jack's use of the word 'home'. "But I wanted to surprise you."
"You're always surprising me, Jones, Ianto Jones." Jack chuckled. "I don't think you'll ever stop."
They continued their meal in silence. Once everything was cleaned up afterwards, they headed into Jack's bunker. They kissed fervently for what seemed like hours before falling asleep peacefully in each other's arms.
Come seven o'clock, Ianto woke. Jack only had a handful of nightmares and they weren't intense, which is a relief. He stared at and admired the man still sleeping, looking ever so peaceful. Feeling hopeful and optimistic about the day and their potential date later in the evening, Ianto couldn't help but kiss Jack.
Ianto continued laying morning pecks across Jack's face and lips until the older man woke up. "Good morning, sunshine," Ianto spoke softly before laying a lingering kiss on Jack's lips.
Jack hesitated at first, thinking this was a dream. He settled into the kiss once he woke up more and realized the man and the kisses were very much real. They continued kissing feverishly.
When they paused to catch their breath, Jack risked asking, "What was that all about?"
Thankfully, Ianto was in such a good mood that he answered honestly and matter-of-factly, "I'm excited for this evening and thought I'd start the day off right." He kissed Jack again before he could respond.
The next thing Jack knew, Ianto was out of bed and pulling him into the bathroom. "Shower?" Ianto asked.
Jack nodded. With the water heating up, they stripped each other down, teasing each other earnestly. By the time they were both naked, they were exceedingly aroused. In the shower, they simultaneously stroked each other's shafts until they came, and then proceeded with actually taking a shower. Together they dressed and prepared for the day.
Ianto made Jack and himself their first round of coffee. Tosh arrived shortly after so Ianto prepared and delivered hers.
Tosh briefly pulled him aside before he delivered Jack's coffee to inform him, "I know about tonight, Ianto. So does Owen. We're both happy for you."
Ianto smiled. "Thanks, Tosh." Then it struck him, "Does Gwen know?"
Tosh shook her head. "Not that I'm aware of. But Owen and I have taken precautions on yours and Jack's behalf to keep her occupied just in case."
Ianto smiled again and kissed her on the cheek. "You're the best, Tosh, really."
Tosh blushed and turned away, then regained herself and went to work for the day.
Ianto delivered Jack's coffee and the day officially began. Thankfully the rift predictions were accurate and it was a rather slow day. Gwen had not made any moves on Jack since Ianto was back, which was a relief to both men. Tosh and Owen worked on their own projects while also working on "project: distract Gwen."
Six o'clock rolled around quickly. Ianto wanted to leave to get ready for his date that evening. He checked on Jack one last time before heading out.
Gwen thought it strange that Ianto was leaving before the rest of the team and immediately questioned Jack on the matter. "Where's he off to then?"
"He has plans tonight," Jack answered, refusing to reveal anything more.
"What sort of plans?" She pestered.
But Jack kept to his resolve. "Gwen, you're on rift duty with Owen tonight." Tosh had told him the plan she and Owen constructed to assure his date tonight would not have any unnecessary interruptions. "Why don't you go coordinate with him or something?"
Gwen was fed up with Jack's avoidance routine. "What are you hiding from me, Jack?!" He used to talk to me before he left. Now he's all Ianto all the time and it's bloody ridiculous! "Talk to me, Jack. Tell me."
Jack looked at his watch. "Look, I have plans of my own tonight. I need to get ready for them, so if you don't mind," he answered and ushered her out of his office.
Gwen huffed in frustration and became even more determined to find out what was going on.
Extra Notes: I will be attending Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con and therefore meeting John Barrowman thanks to my mother having bought me his VIP package as a thank you present for taking care of her. That being said, I would like to save up some money to spend there. You can help, if you would like, by checking out and purchasing some crocheted items I have for sale in my etsy shop (CrochetPowerPlay). I crochet based on fandoms, most of which is Doctor Who related, though I'm working on unique Torchwood items. They just have more detail and take longer. Anyway, even if you do not want to purchase anything, I would greatly appreciate you checking it out and/or spreading the word. And thank you immensely for continuing to read my story.